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Friday, January 15, 2016

On the Air Radio Players Scriptwriting Contest for Radio Drama

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We are looking for scripts written in the style of old-time radio, with plenty of sound effects for our talented Foley artists to play with! In addition to sound effects, we favor scripts with a variety of voices and good roles for females. We also feature a special category for best fake commercial. Give it a shot with a one-minute pitch of a made-up product. All scripts and commercials must be family-friendly for an audience of all ages.

Scripts should be between 15 and 25 minutes in length, each author may submit up to three scripts. The scripts should be able to be performed with an ensemble of six to twelve people.

Here's what you win:
See and hear your script performed - scheduled for June 2016; recorded show will be made available for streaming and download from our web site
Cash Prizes (first place: $50; Second place $30; Third place: $20; Best commercial: $10)

Deadline is February 1, 2016


Contest Rules
  • If your script is chosen, we reserve the right to edit for time and format.
  • The script should be between 15 minutes and 25 minutes in length.
  • It must be an original script, unpublished, unproduced and free of royalty and copyright restrictions. Adaptations of short stories, novels, radio plays, films, or any other published work will not be considered. Scripts containing licensed characters will not be considered.
  • It must be appropriate in language and themes for a family audience (think PG-13 or lower). Scripts containing profanity, ethnic slurs, and/or sexual content will not be considered.
  • There are no limits on sound effects or settings, but keep in mind that your script should be able to be performed with an ensemble of 6 to 12 people, and the sound will be created by a table full of gadgets, gizmos and the vocal talent of our sound effects wizards. We use an electronic keyboard for musical intros and outros, but we do not use pre-recorded sound effects in general or licensed musical recordings in our shows.
  • Up to three scripts may be submitted by one author.
  • All scripts must be postmarked by or before February 1, 2016 or send by email by or before that date. Winners will be notified by April 1, 2016.
  • Scripts will be judged anonymously by the Board of Directors of the On the Air Radio Players.

How to Submit a Script

OTARP accepts electronic and hard copy submissions. All scripts should be typed using a standard radio script formatting (see next page for example) and numbered. The author’s name should not appear anywhere in the manuscript except the first title page.

Please include TWO title pages: the first one will include the title, your name, address, phone number, and email address. The second title page will have the title only.

Scripts will not be returned, so save a copy for yourself!

Where to Send Your Scripts

Send by mail to:
County of Henrico Division of Recreation and Parks
Attn: OTARP Radio Scriptwriting Contest
P.O. Box 907755
Henrico, VA 23273

Or send by e-mail to per22@co.henrico.va.us with the subject line:
OTARP Scriptwriting Contest

Judges’ decisions are final. Judges reserve the right not to award all prizes if no suitable script is chosen. If your script is chosen, we reserve the right to edit for time and format. The County of Henrico does not assume responsibility for loss, damage or return of scripts.

Questions? Email us at info@OTARP.com

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